Ademola Lookman has just been crowned the new African Men’s Player of the Year – a well-deserved reward for brilliant run of consistency for both club and country.
The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward won the prestigious award ahead of Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi, Ivorian winger, Simon Adingra, Guinean striker, Serghou Guirassy and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Lookman dethroned his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen as he becomes the new “King” on the throne for the next 12 months.
The Atalanta winger had an exceptional year under review as he led the club to its first European title – the Europa League where he bagged a hat trick in the final – the first player to do so in the history of the competition.
He was also spectacular for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire where he scored 3 goals and provided an assist as Nigeria got to the final.
The 2025 edition of the awards is 12 months away and while it might be out of place to discuss who the winner is going to be, there are reasons to show that Ademola Lookman might just win again.
1. All-round consistency
The keyword is “consistency” and another thing to consider is showing up at the big stage. The combination of these two factors gave Ademola Lookman the edge over his competitors this year.
Having these two is what defines who is and who isn’t a world class player and fortunately Ademola Lookman ticks both boxes.
There are only a few African players currently who can boast of being consistent for club and country especially at AFCON.
His performances in big competitions such as Europa League and Champions League also set him apart.
In the current season, Ademola Lookman has been fantastic and he’s arguably the best player in Europe at the moment.
The forward currently has 11 goals 5 assists in 18 matches for Atalanta this season. The wide forward has picked up from his feat last season into the new season and he’s showing no sign of stopping.
2. Popularity Contest
People tend to shy away from this factor when it comes to awards even though it sometimes determines who wins eventually.
Ademola Lookman currently plays for Atalanta in the Serie A. Although, the Bergamo-based club might not be as popular like AC Milan, Inter and Juventus, they are quite known not in the league but in Europe as well..
Lookman’s current form might see him move away from the club next summer to PSG, Arsenal, Manchester United among other big clubs in Europe.
His popularity will go over the moon once this happens. Being popular, playing for a very big club, coupled with his consistency will give him the edge of over his rivals.
3. FIFA World Cup Qualification
The third reason has a big “if” on it. Considering that the 2025 edition of the ward would have been decided before the start of AFCON 2025, the only big determinant aside club performances would be the qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ademola Lookman and the Super Eagles are currently on the edge with three points after four matches.
However, Super Eagles tend to perform when they find their backs on against the wall and if there’s anyone to lead that charge, it has to Ademola Lookman.
The 27-year-old played a role in Super Eagles qualification for the 2025 AFCON with two goals in four matches.
Ademola Lookman loves challenges and the forward will be ready to use his skill sets to hep the Super Eagles secure qualification.
